North Ayrshire fourth worst for drug deaths in Scotland

A total of 36 drug-related deaths were recorded in the area during 2023, according to statistics released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS), equivalent to 32.8 drug deaths per 100,000 people.

Only Glasgow (44.6), Dundee (40.2) and Inverclyde (37.6) had a higher number of drug-related deaths per head of population. 

The total for North Ayrshire is only one fewer than in 2022, and means that more than 30 lives have been lost as a result of drug use in the area every year since 2018.

A total of 317 drug-related deaths have been recorded in the area in the past 10 years, according to the NRS data.

The figures showed drugs claimed the lives of 1,172 Scots in 2023, up 121 from the previous year's total.

Ayrshire MSP Katy Clark claimed the SNP government's "failure to tackle Scotland's drug crisis" was "a national disgrace".

Ms Clark, who represents the West Scotland region for Scottish Labour, said: “These heartbreaking figures are a damning indictment of the SNP government's failure to tackle Scotland's drug crisis. 

“North Ayrshire, like much of our nation, is being devastated by this epidemic, with 36 lives lost in 2023 alone. 

"It's unacceptable that we continue to see Scotland topping the European charts for drug deaths, with the rate more than double that of the rest of the UK.

MSP Katy Clark (Image: Scottish Parliament)

“The fact that people in our most deprived communities are 15 times more likely to die from drugs is a national disgrace. This crisis is a clear reflection of deep-rooted inequality, neglected for far too long.

"The SNP has admitted they took their eye off the ball, but words are not enough - urgent, decisive action is needed now.

“We need a comprehensive strategy that includes better support for those struggling with addiction, investment in community services, and a relentless focus on tackling the root causes of deprivation.

"Scotland and North Ayrshire cannot afford to lose any more lives to this preventable tragedy."

West of Scotland Conservative MSP Jamie Greene said: "“These latest figures are shocking and shameful.

“Drug deaths continue to be our national shame on the SNP’s watch and far too many individuals in North Ayrshire are dying in this way.

“Behind these awful figures are families in North Ayrshire grieving the loss of loved ones and my thoughts are with those in North Ayrshire who are experiencing this tragedy.

“Nicola Sturgeon admitted she took her eye off the ball in tackling Scotland’s drug deaths crisis and deaths soared as a result. They continue to be far higher than elsewhere in the UK and are the worst in Europe.

“Ministers need to stop the warm words and finally give their backing to the Right to Recovery Bill that has been introduced in the Scottish Parliament.

“It is backed by frontline experts and could be a game-changer for those in North Ayrshire who are suffering from addiction, as it would enshrine in law a right to treatment for anyone who needs it.

“There is no time for the SNP Government to waste following these shocking statistics and I will continue to urge them to pass the Right to Recovery Bill into law.”

Scotland's Health Secretary Neil Gray said: "My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

"This level of deaths remains hugely concerning and underlines why we we will continue to do all we can to reduce harm and deaths caused by drugs.

"We will intensify our efforts, and are also working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply."

The rise in deaths from drug misuse comes after a large fall was recorded in 2022, with the total dropping by 21 per cent to 1,051.

The NRS said the latest total was still the second lowest number of drugs deaths in the past six years.